Tourism, a major employer, boosts economy

With the arrival of thousands of visitors during the peak summer tourism season, we may sometimes forget just how much we depend upon the hospitality industry.

Debbie Kulick

With the arrival of thousands of visitors during the peak summer tourism season, we may sometimes forget just how much we depend upon the hospitality industry.

Our economy in Pennsylvania and largely in the Poconos depends on attracting visitors from all over the country and the world for that matter and encouraging them to return. The industry is a major employer, a growing industry, an important source of tax revenues and a key economic development tool. It creates and allows for business investments in attractions and amenities that serve the traveling public as well as enhance our quality of life. The ripple effect is growth in other sectors of our local and statewide economy.

Just a few facts that should help us both encourage and appreciate the business effects generated through visitors. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, there are many good reasons we celebrate being a travel destination. Among those are their reported numbers as of February 2013: $37.2 billion, yes billion with a "b," is injected annually by travelers into the state's economy, and $3.8 billion in state and local tax revenues that come directly from travel and tourism.

Obviously, one of the key economic benefits provided by travel and tourism is the industry's ability to create jobs. The most recent numbers show that 291,480 jobs have been created that directly relate to the industry in the state, with the average hourly wage of $15.16 of those employed by the industry.

Looking at the industry and the chance for employment, 19 percent of all individuals in the state had their first job in the travel and tourism related industry. Even more interesting is that 461,250 jobs in the state are related to businesses that are supported by the travel and tourism industry. Of those employed in the support industry jobs, the average hourly wage was $27.36.

Based on many studies recently, the economy has started to rebound, but those who are traveling are still staying closer to home. We fit the bill right here in the Poconos, the chance to get away but not so far. The hospitality industry in Pennsylvania provides the equivalent revenue of $770 each household would pay in state and local taxes per year.

International travelers also spend money here that supports the visitor base. They spend an average of $3.9 billion within the state, and that reflects about one million overseas visitors to Pennsylvania. Wondering how many travelers from within the U.S. visit Pennsylvania yearly? About 182 million.

So as we see the license plates from everywhere travel the roadways alongside of us, we can appreciate the many opportunities created by those who visit our area. As they say, the welcome mat is out, and we're pleased to have you visit.